Google Group vs Aux Account

When requesting a new email address for use by a group of people, you may wonder which type of account is right for you.

Detailed Information

Differences between an Aux Account vs Google Group

Aux accounts are regular email addresses (similar to your individual email address) but typically used by a group (department, team, etc.). Google Groups are also group email addresses but have some additional functionality. Both types of accounts are equivalent in sending and receiving email; the Google Group approach provides a easier managed solution for receiving incoming emails and distributing out to individuals. The most notable difference between the account types is the associated Google Calendar and Google Drive, which aux accounts include and Google Groups do not. Aux accounts, like individual accounts, are prohibited from sending bulk emails; Google Groups, however, can send bulk emails. Please see below for more information.

Aux Account

Auxiliary accounts are for use by staff and faculty that would like to have a sub-account for particular department uses, such as functional departmental email, team shared email, outside group login, etc.

To request an aux account, send an email to help@maine.edu with the following information:

• Name of the requested aux email address (example@maine.edu)
• First and last name of the requested owner of the new aux account
• Primary UMS (@maine.edu) email address of the requested owner of the new aux account

To grant others access to an aux account: Delegate access to your email or an AUX account

Google Group

For more information on Google Groups, please visit: What can you do with Groups? (External Link)

To create a Google Group, please follow these instructions: How To Create A Google Group

Google Groups will default with the ending of "-group@maine.edu". To request the removal of the "-group" ending:

• Create the Google Group (see instructions above)
• Send an email to help@maine.edu with the name of the existing Google Group you have created (example-group@maine.edu).

Environment

• Google Group
• UserID Manager